People and Culture Lead - Mergestack

Our client Mergestack is hiring a People and Culture Lead in Lahore.

The People & Culture Lead will be responsible for overseeing and executing the full spectrum of human resources operations across the organization. The role requires a senior HR professional with strong operational expertise, deep understanding of compliance, and the ability to leverage technology and AI-driven solutions to enhance performance management, employee engagement, and HR efficiency. This position will work closely with senior leadership to align people operations with business strategy and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Manage end-to-end onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring compliance, documentation accuracy, and a consistent employee experience
• Maintain accurate employee records, contracts, and HR systems with strict confidentiality
• Oversee probation confirmations, role transitions, and employment status changes

HR Policies, Governance & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies and procedures in alignment with labor laws and organizational standards
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and internal policy requirements
• Manage HR audits, inspections, and compliance documentation
• Act as the primary escalation point for HR compliance and governance matters

Performance Management & AI Enablement

• Lead bi-annual and annual performance review cycles across the organization
• Partner with senior management to design, implement, and automate performance management systems using AI-driven tools
• Translate organizational goals into measurable performance frameworks, KPIs, and competency models
• Ensure data-driven performance insights, fair evaluations, and continuous feedback mechanisms
• Monitor and optimize AI-based performance systems to ensure accuracy, fairness, and adoption

Compensation, Benefits & Increments

• Manage employee compensation reviews, salary increments, and promotion processes
• Support leadership in compensation benchmarking and salary structure planning
• Oversee benefits administration, including insurance and wellness programs
• Coordinate payroll inputs and ensure data accuracy in collaboration with Finance and Admin

Employee Relations & Grievance Management

• Serve as a neutral and professional escalation point for employee grievances
• Conduct investigations and resolve employee relations issues in line with company policy
• Ensure fair and consistent application of disciplinary procedures
• Promote an inclusive, respectful, and compliant workplace culture

Culture, Engagement & Internal Communications

• Drive initiatives that reinforce organizational culture, values, and behavioral standards
• Plan and execute internal engagement programs, company events, and recognition initiatives
• Partner with leadership on change management, communication strategies, and employee engagement programs
• Actively assess, strengthen, and improve organizational culture by promoting company values, collaboration, accountability, and employee well-being
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• Partner with leadership to identify cultural gaps and implement initiatives that enhance engagement, trust, and alignment across teams
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• Initiate, plan, and execute in-house events (e.g., town halls, team-building activities, celebrations, wellness initiatives) aimed at improving morale and the overall work environment
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• Measure the effectiveness of culture and engagement initiatives through feedback, surveys, and participation metrics, and continuously refine programs accordingly

Attendance, Workplace Discipline & Order

• Oversee attendance, leave management, and work-hour compliance systems
• Monitor adherence to workplace policies and professional conduct standards
• Proactively address attendance irregularities and behavioral concerns

Vendor Management & External Partnerships

• Manage third-party relationships including HR vendors, healthcare partners, and platforms such as Total Parco, Howdy, and Marham
• Oversee vendor performance, service delivery, and contract coordination
• Act as the primary liaison between external partners and internal stakeholders

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Admin and Operations teams to ensure effective workplace management
• Coordinate HR operational activities across departments
• Collaborate with the Marketing team on employer branding, hiring campaigns, and internal communications

Talent, Workforce Planning & Capability Building

• Support workforce planning, manpower forecasting, and recruitment initiatives
• Identify organizational training and development needs and coordinate learning programs
• Mentor and guide junior HR or administrative staff, where applicable
• Drive continuous improvement in HR processes through technology and automation

AI & Technology Competency (Plus)

• Firm understanding of AI and their application within HR functions
• Hands-on experience or demonstrated exposure to AI-enabled performance management, HR analytics, or automation tools
• Ability to work with management, product, or technical teams to define AI-based HR solutions
• Strong data interpretation and analytical mindset with a focus on fairness, ethics, and transparency
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Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in HR Operations, HR Generalist, or People Operations roles
• Strong working knowledge of labor laws, compliance frameworks, and HR best practices

Core Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism
• Strong process orientation with the ability to drive operational excellence
• Strategic yet hands-on approach in a fast-growing organization